Quick Start

11
System requirements and installation
The Syncrosoft License Control Center (which can be
found in the Start/Programs menu under Windows or the
Applications folder on a Mac) is the place where you can
check the licenses installed on your Steinberg Key.
• If you are using other copy-protected Steinberg prod-
ucts, you may want to transfer all licenses for your applica-
tions to only one Steinberg Key, thus using only one USB
port of your computer. To transfer licenses between keys,
launch the License Transfer wizard of the Syncrosoft Li-
cense Control Center and follow the instructions.
• Steinberg software products always come with a license
activation code, but not always with a Steinberg Key – if
you want to activate a license for such a Steinberg software
(e.g. a VSTi) on the Steinberg Key you received with Cu-
base, launch the License Download wizard of the Syn-
crosoft License Control Center and follow the instructions.
More information on the transfer or activation of licenses
can be found in the help for the Syncrosoft License Con-
trol Center.
Installing the audio hardware and its driver
1. Install the audio card and related equipment in the
computer, as described in the card’s documentation.
2. Install the driver for the card.
Depending on the operating system of your computer, there are different
types of drivers that could apply: card-specific ASIO drivers, DirectX
drivers (Windows) or Mac OS X (Mac) drivers:
Specific ASIO driver
If your audio card has a specific ASIO driver, it may be in-
cluded with the audio card, but you should always make
sure to check the audio card manufacturer’s web site for
the most recent drivers. For details on how to install the
driver, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
DirectX driver (Windows only)
If your audio card is DirectX compatible, its DirectX drivers
will most likely be installed when you install the card. If you
have downloaded special DirectX drivers for the audio
card, you should follow the manufacturer’s installation in-
structions.
Mac OS X drivers (Mac only)
If you are using a Macintosh computer, make sure you are
using the latest Mac OS X drivers for your audio hard-
ware. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the
driver.
Testing the card
To make sure the audio card will work as expected, perform
the following two tests:
• Use any software included with the audio card to make
sure you can record and play back audio without problems.
• If the card is accessed via a standard operating system
driver, try playing back audio using the computer’s standard
audio application (e.g. Windows Media Player or Apple
iTunes).
Installing a MIDI interface/synthesizer card
Installation instructions for a MIDI interface should be in-
cluded with the product. However, here’s an outline of the
necessary steps:
1. Install the interface (or MIDI synthesizer card) inside
your computer or connect it to a “port” (connector) on the
computer.
Which is right for you depends on which type of interface you have.
2. If the interface has a power supply and/or a power
switch, turn it on.
3. Install the driver for the interface, as described in the
documentation that comes with the interface.
You should also make sure to check the manufacturer’s web site for the
latest driver updates.